The story
A European Union delegation aimed at diffusing tensions and re-establishing a cease-fire between Israel and Gaza headed to the region Sunday, nine days after Israel began its military assault on Gaza.
The EU delegation, led by Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, also aims to facilitate humanitarian aid for Gaza residents.
"It is now our task to make sure that EU aid reaches the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip, that the border crossings are open and that the aid does not disappear somewhere along the way," Schwarzenberg said in a written statement.
The EU team was expected to arrive in Egypt on Sunday before continuing to Israel and the Palestinian territories on Monday.
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday urged the U.N. Security Council to push for a swift end to the conflict. 
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